Man jailed for chainsaw attack on co-worker

A man has been sentenced to four and a half years in prison for attacking a co-worker with a chainsaw.

Daniel Nathan of Tokoroa was sentenced in the Rotorua District Court for wounding with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

The incident happened February 10 while Mr Nathan was employed as a forestry worker.

While working alongside the victim, Mr Nathan became enraged when his co-worker stopped to ask their boss a question.

Mr Nathan then begun walking towards the victim swinging his chainsaw at him, the co-worker then fell, In a rage Nathan thrust the chainsaw towards him, causing a 7cm laceration in the victim's forearm.

Long term effects of the attack include lack of feeling in part of the arm and having to spend three months off work on ACC.